Azarenka edges Williams in Thailand exhibition

Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams in straight sets in an exhibition match between the world's top two women's players.

The second-ranked Azarenka defeated world No. 1 Williams 7-5 6-3 in front of around 3,000 fans at the Hua Hin World Tennis Invitational in a match both players used as a warm-up ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 13.

Azarenka broke for a 6-5 lead in the first set and broke twice in the second for her second victory at the exhibition event after 2011.

Williams beat Azarenka in the US Open final this year.

"It was a good warm-up before Australia," Williams said. "Victoria is a strong player. It's always fun to play someone like her."